Daijiworld Media Network- Lucknow
Lucknow, Aug 7: Teenage Australian cricketer Sam Konstas, who once made headlines for a fiery on-field exchange with Indian cricketing legend Virat Kohli, has now been named in the Australia 'A' squad for the upcoming tour of India. The tour will feature two crucial four-day matches in Lucknow in September, serving as a preparatory step towards the Border-Gavaskar Trophy 2026-27.
Konstas, 19, is the only current Test-capped player in the squad and will partner with fellow opener Nathan McSweeney. The young batter had replaced McSweeney during the previous India-Australia series at home but failed to cement his position, struggling during a recent Caribbean tour despite Australia's overall dominance.
The red-ball squad also features off-spinner Todd Murphy, who claimed 14 wickets in four Tests during the 2022-23 Border-Gavaskar Trophy in India. Others in the mix include Cooper Connolly and Lance Morris, while notable omissions include in-form batter Jason Sangha and experienced opener Matthew Renshaw. Sangha, despite his double century against Sri Lanka A in Darwin last month, has only been included in the one-day squad.
Chairman of Selectors George Bailey emphasized the importance of building player experience in subcontinent conditions. “The subcontinent provides unique challenges. Repeated exposure here will help players develop the methods and understanding they need for success,” Bailey stated.
The red-ball matches are scheduled from September 16 to 19 and September 23 to 26 in Lucknow. This will be followed by three one-day matches in Kanpur on September 30, October 3, and October 5.
Squads:
Four-Day Matches:
Xavier Bartlett, Cooper Connolly, Jack Edwards, Aaron Hardie, Campbell Kellaway, Sam Konstas, Nathan McSweeney, Lance Morris, Todd Murphy, Fergus O'Neill, Oliver Peake, Josh Phillippe, Corey Rocchiccioli, Liam Scott.
One-Day Matches:
Cooper Connolly, Harry Dixon, Jack Edwards, Sam Elliott, Jake Fraser-McGurk, Aaron Hardie, Mackenzie Harvey, Todd Murphy, Tanveer Sangha, Liam Scott, Lachie Shaw, Tom Straker, Will Sutherland, Callum Vidler.
The tour is expected to offer valuable insight into Australia’s emerging talent as both teams look ahead to future international clashes.